Church, Govt in land dispute

By Joel Okwayo

A row has erupted between the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and Government over a piece of land in Mumias District.

The church, which claims the land ownership, wants the Government to relocate the district headquarters’ offices.

Bishop Beneah Salala of Mumias Diocese said the offices are on a parcel of land set aside for construction of a teachers’ training college.

He said the Diocesan Synod has written to DC Ann Ngetich requesting the relocation of the offices.

Salala was speaking during a service at Mumias Cathedral church. Area MP Ben Washiali and Mumias Out Growers Company chairman Basil Khalumi attended the service.

Salala said the church got the land during the colonial era.

The offices were to be moved last year but the process was postponed after President Kibaki created Mumias District.

The building had initially been constructed to house DO’s offices. Yesterday, Salala said the church had already developed a plan to erect a college at the disputed site.

Ngetich was not available for comment when the Standard on Saturday sought her.